Free Agent Brown Quarterback Does Not Want for Confidence

Journeyman quarterback Jeff Christensen says the Cleveland Browns “got a steal” when they signed him as a free agent.

Christensen reported to the Browns’ camp in Kirtland this summer as a longshot. The Browns have veteran quarterbacks Bernie Kosar and Gary Danielson, and also acquired former Indianapolis Colts starter Mike Pagel in the offseason and drafted Kansas star Mike Norseth.

In three seasons, Christensen has been on an active NFL roster for 20 games and has not attempted a pass.

After stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles, he received his first chance as a Browns Saturday against the Buffalo Bills and responded by completing 10 of 14 passes for 116 yards.

“I’m planning on being here (when the season starts),” said Christensen, 26. “I’m getting a real good shot. I feel good about the situation.”

Christensen’s future may depend on the status of Danielson, who had surgery Jan. 13 to repair a torn rotator cuff and is recovering slowly.

“I give 155% and never look back. That’s all I can say,” Christensen said of the competition. “You can’t look back. You have to go, go, go.”

Browns’ Coach Marty Schottenheimer said it was too early to judge between Christensen and Pagel, but “both did a very good job” in the first game.

Christensen said his career has been frustrating at times, but he is still sure of his ability.

“You begin to wonder, but there was never any doubt in my mind that I could do it,” he said.